A flood watch has been issued by the local conservation authorities for the Great Lakes shoreline.
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority officials say there is some risk of shoreline damage and erosion along the shorelines of both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair as well as in Rondeau Bay.
LTVCA officials say flooding and shoreline damage is possible in east-facing shoreline communities such as Rose Beach Line, Wheatley, Shrewsbury and the bay side of Erieau.
“Weather forecasts are calling for moderate to strong northeast winds beginning (Saturday) afternoon and lasting throughout the day Sunday,” LTVCA officials stated.
“While there are still some uncertainties around these forecasts, some forecasts are suggesting that down on Lake Erie these northeast winds could climb above 30 km/hr Saturday evening. Generally, the forecasts are calling for peak wind speeds from the northeast Sunday morning or early afternoon, somewhere between 35 and 45 km/hr with the potential for gusts over 60 km/hr.”
LTVCA officials added: “Winds are then expected to drop in the evening on Sunday. Wind forecasts for the Lake St. Clair area are for winds to be slightly less strong, however, the forecasts suggest that the winds could switch to a more northerly direction. Waves on Lake Erie could reach 1.5 to 2 m in height and around 0.5 m on Lake St. Clair. In addition to the winds, there could be 5 to 15 mm of rain on Saturday and Sunday.”
LTVCA officials say since winds are predicted to be out of the northeast, winds would generally be pushing waves along the shoreline of Lake Erie, rather than directly against the shore.
“This would also be the case for LTVCA’s portion of the Lake St. Clair shoreline,” LTVCA officials say.
“However, there still could be impacts to the shoreline. The current forecasts are predicting wind speeds similar to, or slightly stronger than, those experienced Thursday, and from a similar direction. On Lake Erie, more east-facing shorelines such as around Rose Beach Line and Wheatley could see greater impacts.”
LTVCA officials added: “In addition, the communities around Rondeau Bay, such as Shrewsbury and the bay side of Erieau, saw flooding on Thursday which could also happen for this wind event. Erie Shore Drive would be largely sheltered from this wind event. Should winds switch to the north, there could be some impacts along the Lake St. Clair shoreline around Lighthouse Cove.”
LTVCA officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary. This flood watch will be in effect until April 27, 2020
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority officials say strong winds, wave action, storm surge and potential flooding is expected along the Lake Huron shoreline.
“Strong northerly winds are anticipated to start Saturday evening and continue through Sunday before subsiding late Sunday / overnight Monday,” SCRCA officials say.
“Gusts are anticipated to be approximately 40 km/h Saturday and early Sunday, before increasing to approximately 60 km/h Sunday afternoon.”
The Lake Huron shoreline is anticipated to experience wind-driven wave action with possible erosion and minor flooding, particularly in the Old Lakeshore Road area of Brights Grove, SCRCA officials say.
“Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks and cold, swift moving water,” SCRCA officials stated.
“Children and pets should be kept away from the water.”
The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and media should flood issues arise.
Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.
This flood watch by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority will remain in effect until Monday, April 27, 2020, unless otherwise updated.
